A cosmetologist accused by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) of attempting to mail a quantity of cocaine through the Post Office was yesterday remanded to prison when she appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
The allegation against Debbie Barker is that on January 23, at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), she had in her possession 510 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
Barker, 49, of 2655 South Ruimveldt Park, denied the charge when it was read to her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
CANU Prosecutor Oswald Massiah told the court that the accused was at the time attempting to post a parcel containing the illegal substance when she was nabbed by CANU ranks at the post office.
Massiah said the accused presented a false ID card to officials at the post office along with a light bill bearing someone else’s name and address in order to post the box she had in her possession.
As the officials were conducting routine inspection before posting the parcel, Massiah said, a number of packets containing false nails were pierced by the officials who then discovered a powdery substance coming from within. On suspicion that the substance may have been cocaine, Massiah said, the officials alerted ranks from CANU. The defendant was then told of the suspicion by the ranks and after investigations were conducted she was arrested and charged.
Massiah further informed the court that a Nigerian national, who also associated himself with the accused, is in custody and is likely to be charged today.
Meanwhile, Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, who represented Barker, said that his client will give evidence to the state and prosecution. He then requested an early date for the commencement of trial into the proceedings, adding that the charges are likely to be withdrawn.
After listening to the case, the magistrate informed Barker that she would be remanded to prison. Her matter will be called again today at Court Two.
